丨美国俄克拉荷马城

Agape Sanctuary Retreat is a place of rest in a chaotic time, schedule, or life event. Located in Downtown Oklahoma City, the retreat is intentionally built in an inner-urban city to provide access to all backgrounds of people who are seeking a relationship with the Lord. The purpose of the retreat is to create a safe space to commune with God and become rejuvenated by disconnecting from the societal norms of burning the midnight oil and running on all cylinders to achieve the highest level of success.

The retreat can accommodate guests overnight stay with a hotel-style luxurious suite with a full-size bathroom, and a spacious seating area overlooking the downtown skyline. ADA-accessible, visually, and hard-of-hearing-impaired hotel suites are designed to provide the best accommodation for a pleasant stay. Guests can enjoy a fine dining experience at the lower-level restaurant. Next to the dining experience is the music hall designed to host praise and worship concerts, sermons, guest speaking, and plays. Acoustic panels, soft fabrics, curvy wall designs, and carpet are installed in the music hall to balance the refraction of sound.  The retreat offers quiet, private study and prayer areas. Additionally, there is a sanctuary area where many guests are encouraged to sit, pray, and meditate. Agape’s amenities include a gym, steam and dry sauna, outdoor lounge area, gift shop, complimentary bike rentals, and a rooftop swimming pool.       The concept of the minimalistic design is the four elements known as earth, water, air, and fire. The characteristics and physical properties of the elements are metaphorically translated to personify the holy, loving, majestic, sustaining, timeless, protective, and abundant character of God. Wood, stone, rocks, plants, gems, and biomorphic design represent the earth element and symbolize the timeless, sustaining, and protective nature of God. Interior water features, lighting fixtures, glass, and mirrors mimic the reflective, transparent properties of the water element in its liquid and solid forms, while referencing the heart of God’s pure intentions and peaceful ways. Air is an unseen element, yet its presence is deeply understood. An open floor plan, abundant natural light, and carefully chosen materials that enhance indoor air quality together embody this essential element.  Lastly, in scripture, God uses fire to communicate his presence, purification, and guidance. In the Agape Sanctuary Retreat, fire is shown by using multi-layered lighting to accommodate tasks, help guide users as a way-finder, and accentuate focal points in spaces. The design also incorporates a fireplace, an outdoor fire pit, and warm terracotta shades that evoke a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, fire is illustrated in the interior with a warm, comforting color palette, the use of variety in texture materials to appeal to sensory needs and create movement in the space, breeze-blocks, and large-scale windows to allow natural day lighting.

The purpose of the design is to encourage people to disconnect from their routines and be present in an environment that encompasses the nature and characteristics of the Lord. The retreat center welcomes all people to foster a hospitable environment that grows and mends relationships with the Lord.